Toronto, ON – We applaud the federal government’s decision to ban harmful microbeads. We are happy to finally say goodbye to these problematic plastic particles that have polluted Canada’s rivers and lakes for far too long, putting fish, wildlife and human health at risk.

With today’s decision, the Canadian government follows the United States in banning microbeads from toiletries.

According to announced draft regulations, Canada will ban the sale of toiletries used to exfoliate or cleanse containing microbeads by July 1, 2018, and ban the sale of natural health products, non-prescription drugs and toothpaste containing microbeads by July 1, 2019.

Microbeads are a completely unnecessary addition to cosmetic and personal care products. A single shower with a microbeads-containing product can wash more than 100,000 microbeads into waterways where the beads are ingested by fish and other wildlife. The plastic spheres easily adsorb toxic chemicals and can cause DNA damage and sometimes even death. Scientists have found millions of microbeads in parts of the Great Lakes.

About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.